The Brookhaven leader. [volume] (Brookhaven, Miss.) 1883-1891, 1887-03-10
TO THE FRIENDS OF PROHIBI-
TON IN MISSISSIPPI.

been year of rapid progress-of real tri-
umph. have only words of encourage
ment to offer on the result of recent
achievements. The Local Option Law
enacted by the last Legislature, has ex-
ceeded in efficiency the largest expecta-
tons of its friends and disappointed the
evil prophecies of unrelenting enemies.
Under its operation we have not only
firmly held every inch of territory cover
ed by special prohibitory statutes, but
have rescued from the grasp of the open
saloon twelve additional counties, includ-
ing the large and influential counties of
Kinds, Lauderdale and Yazoo. Other
large sections have driven out the saloon
by petition, until we can claim two-thirCls
or more of the State, as standing sOlidly
in the Prohibition column.
In addition, we are assured that the
agitation has improved the drinking hab-
its of society. Old topers have ceased
their debaucheries and moderate drinkers
become total abstainers. The saloons that
remain do not thrive rs formerly-the
business is no longer so lucrative and re-
nuncrative. And it is becoming disrepu
table for gentlemen to frequent such
places. Some interesting statistics might
be given on this point that would glad
den the heart and cheer the faith of eve
~ Prohibitionist in Mississippi and else
where.
1t is also occasion for graduation that
the Supreme Court of the State has affirm
cd the oonstitutonality of our law in the
clearest and strongest language. This, of
itself, will become an educating factor in
the conflict and has already sent dismay
into tho enemy's ranks. 1t simplitie the
issue and unities the friends of moral re-
form.
But what Of the duties of the present
and future' BE assured, we have only
begun the struggle. We must beware of
idle satisfaction with past SUCCESS. The
peril Of rictory is complacency. One tri-
umph should only stimulate courage and
zeal to achieve greater. In view, there
fore, of the work before us, offer the fol-
lowing suggestions:
l. Keep your organizations intact. In
counties where Prohibition has carried,
you need to keep up the agitation to Sc
cure the rigid, impartial enforcement of
the law. Laws do not administer them
selves. The sentiment that enacts stat
nte must compel Its wise, fearless admin.
istration. Do not allow the law to be-
come a dead letter. UNPUBLISHED viola
tors are vicious educators of public senti-
ment. Keep up the agitation, 50 that no
jury can be found to acquit fragrant
offenders.
2. We should adhere consistently to
our declaration of non partisan purposes
and principles. Our last State Conven-
ton reafflrmed the doctrine announced at
every former meeting in these words:
1" We further declare it to be our conriction
that the cause Of Prohibition should not be
eHtangled rith party politics. Without dis
turbing the party affiliations Of any citizen,
zee ask his support Of this great reform,
Which should be eathroned above the contests
for mere place and poWer." To that decla-
ration and line of policy we are pledged
demonstrated its wisdom. If with our
growing strength. the movement shonld
he DETECTED into partisan channels, we
will forfeit the coming victory which
,f,,t
reform is subsidized by political ambi
tions, it suffers defeat in the house of
supposed but misguided friends. Let us
reassert with plainness and emphasis that
this is in no sense a partisan movement.
Ne hare nothing to do with party politics.
3. Let Prohibition literature be indus
triously circulated. We must SOW down
the State with leaflets and pamphlets,
packed with facts and arguments, that
will multiply our friends and enable ev-
cry Prohibitionist to give an unanswera-
BILE reason for the hope that is in him. If
We can only get the people to read the
saloon will be banished from the borders
of our great commonwealth.
4. In the counties where no election has
been held, make ample preparations and
bring on the contest during the summer.
Organize for victory, and utilize every
available agency. We have sufficient I'M
used Influence in every county to assure
success, if modified and placed under
skillful leadership.
5. We must labor with and for the col
ored people. They will aid our cause in
ever-increasing numbers. 1t is neither
good religion nor worldly policy to be-
come impatient because so many of them
have been deluded into the support of
whisky. With better education and
healthier public sentiment, they will dis
cover their true friends and forsake their
worst enemy. In church and school they
must he instructed and exhorted
&. Honoring their labors in the past, we
should continue to cordially cooperate
with the Woman's Christian Temperance
Union of the State. Their conservatism
and zeal in Mississippi are worthy of all
Discarding other issues, they are laboring
for total abstinence and non partisan Pro-
hibition. May their numbers increase
until every mother, wife or sister shall
take for her inspiring motto, "God, home
and native land"
7. We must keep in mind also our State
Convention to be held Mt a time vet to he